New Mexico Rail Runner Express running special Labor Day Weekend Service to Wine Festival for 6th Year!

Bernalillo,NM-August 30, 2011 – For the sixth year, visitors to the New Mexico Wine Festival will have another transportation alternative to get to the wildly popular affair. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express is once again offering special train service over the upcoming long Labor Day weekend. And just as in years past, people taking the train can catch a free shuttle bus from the U.S. 550/Sandoval County station to the festival, or they can opt to take a short walk from the station to the annual event.

“Using the Rail Runner to get to the Wine Festival has been a big success the past five years”, saidDeweyCave, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “This is a great opportunity to avoid traffic and parking hassles and leave the driving to someone else. “

This year’s New Mexico Wine Festival will be held in the Town ofBernalilloover Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, September 3rd, Sunday, September 4th, and Monday, September 5th. Wine Festival hours are noon to 7:00 pm daily. (See accompanying train schedule)

”The Rail Runner offers Wine Festival-goers a real convenience”, said Maria Rinaldi, Executive Director, NM Wine Festival. “There’s been a significant increase in ridership to the Wine Festival. Riding the train has become a part of the tradition of attending the festival.”

Celebrating its 24th year, the New Mexico Wine Festival attracts more than 25,000 people. 20 wineries from across the state offer up free tastings and sales by the glass, as well as the purchase of bottles and cases for home consumption. There’s also a variety of food vendors, live entertainment, and a juried art show. Once again, the festival also showcases some ofNew Mexico’s finest agriculture. There is even a dedicated area for kids called the “Kid’s Zone”.

”People come from all over the state and out-of-state to attend what has become the premier wine event of the Southwest”, says Bernalillo Mayor Jack Torres. “Being able to offer Rail Runner service to those attendees in the metro area is a big plus for the event”.

Like last year festival-goers can avoid the lines and purchase their Rail Runner tickets in advance on-line at nmrailrunner.com. However, they should make note that they must purchase the Rail Runner ticket for the specific day that they are planning to attend the festival. NM Wine Festival tickets can also be purchased in advance on-line at newmexicowinefestival.com